The ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY-MAKING

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Word cloud generators have become popular tools for meetings and team-building events. Groups or teams are asked to use these applications to input words they feel best describe their team or their role. A “word cloud” is generated by the application that makes prominent the most-used terms, offering an image of the common thinking among participants of that role.

What types of words would you use to build a nursing word cloud? Empathetic, organized, hard-working, or advocate would all certainly apply. Would you add policy-maker to your list? Do you think it would be a very prominent component of the word cloud?

Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients. Hence, policy-making has become an increasingly popular term among nurses as they recognize a moral and professional obligation to be engaged in healthcare legislation.

RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making.
Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 8
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making. Be specific and provide examples.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’* posts by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

Sample Solution

Words to Build a Nursing Word Cloud

When building a nursing word cloud, the following words are likely to be prominent:

  • Empathetic
  • Organized
  • Hard-working
  • Advocate
  • Compassionate
  • Caring
  • Knowledgeable
  • Skilled
  • Dedicated
  • Professional
  • Essential
  • Trusted
  • Healer
  • Hero

These words reflect the many essential qualities and skills that nurses possess. They are also representative of the important role that nurses play in the healthcare system.

Policy-Maker as a Prominent Component of the Nursing Word Cloud

Whether or not “policy-maker” would be a very prominent component of the nursing word cloud depends on the specific group of nurses being surveyed. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among nurses to become more involved in policy-making. This is due to the fact that nurses have a unique perspective on the healthcare system and the challenges that patients face.

Nurses are also in a position to advocate for their patients by influencing the policies that govern healthcare delivery. For example, nurses can play a role in developing policies that improve access to care, increase quality and safety, and reduce costs.

While “policy-maker” may not be a word that is commonly associated with nurses, it is a word that is becoming increasingly relevant. As nurses become more involved in policy-making, they have the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare system and the lives of their patients.

The Importance of Nurses as Policy-Makers

Nursing has become one of the largest professions in the world, and as such, nurses have the potential to influence policy and politics on a global scale. When nurses influence the politics that improve the delivery of healthcare, they are ultimately advocating for their patients.

There are many reasons why nurses are important policymakers. First, nurses have a deep understanding of the healthcare system and the challenges that patients face. They are also in a unique position to identify areas where the system can be improved.

Second, nurses are trusted members of the community. They have a strong relationship with their patients and their families. This gives them a platform to speak out about issues that are important to patients and to advocate for change.

Third, nurses are organized and effective advocates. They have a long history of advocating for their patients and for the profession of nursing. They are also skilled at using their voices to influence change.

How Nurses Can Get Involved in Policy-Making

There are many ways that nurses can get involved in policy-making. Here are a few ideas:

  • Get involved in your professional nursing organization. Most nursing organizations have advocacy committees that work to influence policy at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Contact your elected officials and let them know about the issues that are important to you and your patients.
  • Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper or magazine about healthcare issues.
  • Speak out at public hearings and town hall meetings.
  • Volunteer for a campaign that supports a candidate who is committed to improving healthcare.

By getting involved in policy-making, nurses can make a real difference in the lives of their patients and in the future of healthcare.

Conclusion

Nurses are essential members of the healthcare system. They play a vital role in providing care to patients and their families. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among nurses to become more involved in policy-making.

Nurses are important policymakers because they have a deep understanding of the healthcare system, they are trusted members of the community, and they are organized and effective advocates. There are many ways that nurses can get involved in policy-making, such as getting involved in their professional nursing organization, contacting elected officials, writing letters to the editor, speaking out at public hearings, and volunteering for campaigns.

By getting involved in policy-making, nurses can make a real difference in the lives of their patients and in the future of healthcare.

 

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